Sandsend Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NE, E, SE
Wind
SW
Surf Height
Thigh high to overhead.
Tide
Mid to high tide.
Sandsend Surf Guide
Follow the A174 coast road out of Whitby and you'll come to one of the east coast's best beachbreaks. In a clean, northeasterly swell the sandbanks here can produce short, hollow waves. Although it works through the tides, mid to high is traditionally best - though the rebuilt sea wall may affect dead high depending on swell size. Can be heavy and rippy. At the northern end of the beach lies the village, then comes the car park where you'll find a fickle left-hand reefbreak called Caves. Has to be 2-3ft, clean and midtide - then it'll produce long, fun, left walls for a short window before the tide pushes in and backwash spoils everyone's fun.
Ability Level
Intermediate
If it's anything but tiny best left to more experienced.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Largely tolerant.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Tight local crew.
Spot Rating
Fun
Chunky, heavy beach break, with mellow reef.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Can be a slog when swells pick up.
Water Quality
Fair
OK - occasional sewage after rains.
Hazards
Heavy waves and rip currents.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Longboard, Bodyboard
Access
Parking on A174 above beach.
Bottom
Sand plus flat reef.
Best Season
Year round but September - November is best.
Do you have local knowledge about Sandsend?
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